Villagers voice concerns over executive homes plans

Elderly residents are not adopting a NIMBY approach to plans for new executive housing in Scholes, says Councillor Ryan Stephenson after a public meeting this week.

Residents on Belle Vue Road were invited to share their concerns over plans to remove parking to the Manor House, giving access for nine luxury four/five-bedroomed homes after a planning application was submitted by Leeds-based Chartford Homes to Leeds City Council on July 14.

But local residents, parish and city councillors have raised concerns over the “unsuitability” of the site for large homes.

Addressing the public meeting Coun Ryan Stephenson (Con, Harewood) and local community planning expert George Hall urged residents to submit their views to the planning authority.

Coun Stephenson said: “The village’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan has established a desire for additional sheltered or independent living homes on this site, something that is in keeping with the current characteristics of the low-rise homes and bungalows in this part of the village.

“Residents aren’t adopting a NIMBY approach to this application, it’s not so much a desire for no development at all but a call for appropriate housing that meets a local need.”